3 Reasons Arsenal can defeat Tottenham in the North London Derby

Arsenal host Tottenham in the first North London Derby of the season, and the Gunners are looking to get back to winning ways after their recent 3-1 loss to Manchester City. Arsenal may not have a great recent record against their rivals, but the Gunners have a perfect opportunity on Saturday to grab all three points.

Arsenal have won just once in their last six North London Derby games. The Gunners desperately need a victory on Saturday to keep pace with the top four.

3 Reasons Arsenal can defeat Tottenham in the North London Derby

Injuries

Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries of late. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks pulled out of the England squad do to injury. The three are expected to play Saturday, but there are more walking wounded. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris missed the team’s win over Crystal Palace before the international break, and it is unknown if he will play on Saturday. There is a chance third choice goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga could be put in Lloris place. Toby Alderweireld is also injured, and Mauricio Pochettino won’t make a decision on the centre-back until prior to the match.

Arsenal home form

Arsenal have won 10 straight matches at the Emirates dating back to last term. The Gunners have won all five home matches this season, and have a +9 goal differential. While the team’s away form has seen Arsenal lose four times, posting the 15th best away points total, Arsene Wenger’s team have been solid at home. Don’t bet on the Gunners to lose now.

Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal have had a very good striker in Olivier Giroud in their ranks for a few years now. However, the signing of Alexandre Lacazette truly gives the Gunners a player that can rival Kane. Lacazette has scored six goals in 11 games this term. Nine of those games were starts. He has been well worth the money Arsenal shelled out on him. But Wenger needs to play him from the start if Arsenal are to get the most out of him against Spurs. Against Manchester City, Lacazette was a second half substitute. Big mistake as Arsenal were down 2-0 by the time he came on. If Wenger uses Alexis Sanchez as his No. 9, or false No. 9, to start the match, Arsenal will lack the threat Lacazette can give Spurs injured defence.